Arsene Wenger is hopeful that Laurent Koscielny’s injury is not too serious after he was forced off early on during Arsenal’s 3-1 win over AC Milan in the Europa League on Thursday night.

The French defender picked up a back problem and lasted just 11 minutes of the last 16 tie at The Emirates on Thursday night as Arsenal booked their place in the quarter-finals of Europe’s second tier club competition.

The Gunners now have the weekend off before returning to Premier League action in more than two weeks’ time with a home clash against Stoke City after the international break.

And Arsenal manager Wenger appeared to be hopeful that the French defender would be ready to feature for the north London side because his injury is not too serious.

Speaking at his post-match news conference on Thursday night, Wenger said: “He got a kick on his back. We don’t think it’s bad but he cramped up and he couldn’t go on.”

Arsenal are currently in sixth place in the Premier League table and their best hope of qualifying for the Champions League next season will be winning the Europa League this term.

The north London side ended up in fifth place last term but have struggled to produce consistent performance in the top flight this season.

Arsenal have not won the Premier League since their famous unbeaten triumph back in 2003-04.